This is the menu at my local juice bar.

Yesterday (when it was almost 100 degrees in NYC!) I ordered my Super Power Smoothie and immediately smiled and thought of last weekend’s World Domination Summit.  That was truly a Super Power Smoothie!  I am so grateful to everyone who shared their Super Powers.

I was also reminded of my experience at Lift Off last year.  That has all the ingredients of a Super Power Smoothie:  Pam, Charlie, the awesome group of creative people who come, everyone sharing ideas, getting focused, and most of all, amazing support!  There’s also strawberries and bananas because you need that in a smoothie. 

The kindness and openness of everyone is something I will never forget.

Definitely take a moment to check it out.

Why not now?

Last February I would have never dreamed that this February I would be gathering with a group of creative entrepreneurs at a ranch in Arizona for a weekend retreat.

Lift Off wasn’t a yoga or meditation retreat  in the traditional sense – we didn’t do downward dogs, meditate for hours, or have kitchen cleanup duties.  But like a spiritual retreat, we did go deep within ourselves and share our dreams and passions in a safe and supporting environment.

The safe space or container for all this was created by Pam Slim and Charlie Gilkey. They led us with amazing tenderness, genuineness and clarity.

We dug, and they helped us dig deeper.

We looked at the meaning of the work we’re doing.

We looked for what feeds us and discovered what nourishes us.

We took a really long walk!

Following my own path is scary, risky, exciting and exhilarating all at the same time.  It’s like constantly riding a roller coaster up and down.  But traveling the path with fellow seekers is truly transforming.  The open-heartedness and open-mindedness of everyone and their remarkable caring is something that I will never forget.

I am so grateful and appreciative to be a part of this brave bunch.  I am inspired and thrilled to be a part of this community.

Huge thanks to all of you for your amazing presence.  You are brilliant and beautiful. ~ Karen

www.ivanmartinezphotography.com

We had lots of snow, silence and stillness.

Interestingly, within this winter week of silence and stillness an incredible amount of warmth, community and togetherness was created.

When we were in silence, I first noticed I was listening closer to the outside world.  The sounds of lunch being prepared in the nearby kitchen, the participants quietly breathing in the meditation hall.  Once I settled down, I began to pay closer attention to what was happening inside.  I heard my own thoughts which are usually covered up by talking and activity.

After a few more days I noticed I was becoming more aware of everything around me.  Sights and sounds were enhanced, more alive.  And I was more curious about them.  Like having a new set of eyes and ears.

The end of the week was New Year’s Eve and we let loose with an impromptu dance party.  A Madonna song came on called Get Together from the Confessions album.  It’s not new, I’ve heard it many times before.

Madonna sings: I searched my whole life to find the secret and all I did was open up my eyes.

This time I heard it as if it was the first time.  It was fresh.  The line above so accurately describes my experience last week.

I found this can also enliven the creative process; generating ideas, making videos, helping clients through the thickness of technology.

In 2010, I hope you will find time to give yourself a break and just be as well.

Happy New Year!